The programme

The three-year tenure culminates in the award of the Royal Academy Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art. Those who are offered a place at the school undertake a serious commitment to engage in the development of their studio practice.

The programme is based across all fine art media:painting, sculpture, installation, print, and time-based and digital media. A schedule of group critiques, studio tutorials, seminars and lectures runs throughout the three years of the course, and the core staff is complemented by a wide range of visiting artists, theorists, writers and critics.

Interwoven with the central focus of the programme is the opportunity to develop the written text in support of studio practice.

Tutorials and group critiques

Formal presentations of current work take place at regular intervals throughout the academic year. These provide an opportunity for dialogue, debate and the development of a deeper understanding of the critical and contextual precedents that inform the work.

Texts and dissertations

The written element of the course is used as a means of extending ideas that have arisen as a result of work in the studio. The first-year text is an opportunity to find an appropriate way of addressing artwork through the written word, and different approaches are encouraged.

In the third year, a dissertation of 6,000 words is intended to extend and develop understanding of the enquiry relevant to individual practice, and is a requirement of the
postgraduate diploma.

Reviews of work

A review of work takes place at the end of each year; the review provides an opportunity to reflect on the individual’s work over the year and to assess his or her progress.

Lecture programme

A series of lectures throughout the year addresses current concerns in contemporary fine art practice. The aim of the programme is to inform and reflect on issues arising from studio practice, whether theoretical, political or philosophical. Attendance at these lectures is considered an essential requirement of the programme.

Artists talks

Invited artists give regular talks with an emphasis on their own experience and approaches to their studio practice.

Professional practice

These seminars are designed to explore different aspects of professional practice; lawyers, accountants, critics, dealers and professionals working in the visual arts give practical guidance on aspects of the artist’s working life. In addition, in the third year the school arranges teaching placements on undergraduate fine art programmes.

Contact details for further information
Telephone +44 (0)20 7300 5857
Fax +44 (0)20 7300 5856
Email schools@royalacademy.org.uk